Best way to give away a swarm hive?

[tillie]

I found a swarm in my carport in an old nuc box on Tuesday the 10th.  I don't want these bees.  I have 8 hives when I intended to have 5 this year.  It's a vigorous hive - tons of bees on the five frames.  I have a friend whose second hive died and would love to have these. 

Do I need to wait until they are truly established in this nuc box before moving them?  I'd like to take them to her this weekend - maybe tomorrow evening. 

The only downside I can think of is if they had a virgin queen who hasn't yet returned from mating, but if that's the case, and they moved in on Tuesday, shouldn't she be back by now?

I haven't opened the hive - maybe I should to see if there's a laying queen.

All advice appreciated.

Linda T in Atlanta

[JP]

I would just tell your friend what's going on and then cut them loose.


...JP